Lower School

Marlene Naftz, Kindergarten
Colorado State University, BA

Quote: “To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children… to leave the world a better place… to know even one life has breathed easier because I have lived. This is to have succeeded.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Marlene Naftz’ desire to teach came early in her life, when she would set up “schools” and teach her dolls and stuffed animals. Unlike many of her peers, she entered college knowing what career path she wanted to pursue. Her education includes a BA in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading from Colorado State University and graduate study in Early Childhood Special Education at the University of Wyoming. Before moving to Park City she taught Kindergarten and Title I Reading in Colorado Springs, and Special Education in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The highlight of her career has been right here in Park City, where she has she has enjoyed a 17-year tenure teaching kindergarten.

Her time away from school is centered on her family, which consists of her husband Dave and two grown children, Doug and Kara. Her family enjoys skiing, backpacking, and travel. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, cooking, gardening, and making her home comfortable. email >

Robyn Ufer, Kindergarten
The University of Rhode Island, BA

Quote: “Work hard, play hard.” —Thomas Ufer

Robyn grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she developed a love for Michigan football with her four sisters. While obtaining an early education degree at the University of Rhode Island, Robyn Ufer spent four summers in Park City as a counselor in the Colby School Summer Camp Program. She was an active participant in creating and implementing a theme-based summer curriculum, where she incorporated several lessons and activities consistent with The Colby School’s K-4th grade curriculum. After graduation, Robyn moved to Park City and began her teaching career at The Colby School.

Robyn’s passion and knowledge about reading, writing, and math curriculum came to life in her teaching as a first grade teacher. For the past two years, Robyn has enjoyed working after school with students grades K-2 in her original course, Rockin’ Robyn’s Reading and Writing Program. Through this program she has found great success in creating excitement for reading and an opportunity for students in the Park City community to foster a love of learning at a young age.

She is thrilled to be a part of the Park City community and loves the outdoor adventures found here. email >

Shannon Van Yperen, 1st Grade
Salisbury University, BA

Quote: I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. — Douglas Adams

Shannon’s love for teaching others began at a very young age. Her younger brother was seven years younger and she begged her mother to assist him in his preschool class whenever she could. Both of Shannon’s parents are teachers and she always admired their passion for education.

Shannon started her teaching career in Washington D.C. where she taught Kindergarten for 6 years. After relocating to Utah, she taught skiing at Deer Valley before finding Park City Day School. Shannon also enjoys coaching.  She has coached second grade through middle school girl’s lacrosse. She coaches swimming to two year olds through seniors in high school. She returns to her home state of Delaware each summer to coach and spend time on the beach with her family.

Shannon loves to exercise, surf, run, and be in the sun. She loves to bake, especially cookies. She spends most of her time outside of school with her fiancé, and is busy planning their wedding in October. email >

 

Chloe Hensold, 1st Grade
Hamilton College, BA
Lesley University, M.Ed.

Quote:  "Throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."  — Mark Twain 

Chloe Hensold grew up in Boston, Cleveland and London.  While she was studying math and art at Hamilton College, her family moved to Bozeman, Montana where she had her first taste of mountain living.

In Washington DC, Chloe began teaching in lower school art and science classrooms.  After moving back to Boston, she taught first and second grade while completing a master's degree in elementary education.  Chloe then moved to New York where she taught kindergarten and first grade, coached middle school soccer and served as a mentor to new associate teachers. 

After many years on the East Coast, Chloe is excited to move to Park City. Chloe spends her free time exploring, skiing, and kayaking.  She enjoys cooking and experimenting in the kitchen trying to create the perfect oatmeal cookie. email >

Martha Polichette, 2nd Grade 

University of Utah, BS

Quote: "I find that the harder I work the more luck I seem to have." —Thomas Jefferson

Teaching was a second career for Martha Polichette. Her first love was being a wife and mother of two sons. But she always wanted to be a teacher and went back to school at the University of Utah. She worked in several public schools throughout Utah until graduation and taught fourth grade for one year at an independent school in Salt Lake City.

Once Martha experienced the difference in the philosophy of teaching between independent and public schools, she knew independent schooling was the ideal place for her. She then discovered a great, independent school in Park City and has remained there for fourteen years. She currently teaches second grade and loves every minute of it. She was nominated Teacher of the Year in 2000 and was inducted into National Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teachers for Exceptional Performance in 2006.

Whenever possible, Martha works on landscaping, walks, skis, and spends time with her family. She especially loves to travel abroad with her husband to visit the many places included in her curriculum. Her next adventure is rock climbing with one of her two sons. email >

 

Lyndsey Stewart, 2nd Grade
University of Utah, BA 

 

“Quote: I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.” - Maya Angelou

During her senior year in high school, an optional eighth period professional development in elementary education would spark an interest in children’s education in Lyndsey for years to come. Wanting to help make a difference in children’s lives, Lyndsey has continued to work with children wherever and whenever she is needed.

After graduating from the University of Utah with a Bachelors degree in English, Lyndsey continued working with children and education through Nonprofit Organizations, Charter and Public elementary schools throughout Utah Valley, Salt Lake City, Davis and Los Angeles County areas. When Lyndsey is not working, she spends her time with her husband, Josh and their two dogs, ‘fixing up’ their 1943 Sugarhouse, home. email >

 

Jill Cramer, 3rd Grade 

Lake Erie College, BA SUNY at Albany, MS

Quote: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take,  but by every moment that takes your breath away.”     —Anonymous

Jill Cramer has taught 2nd grade in Catskill, NY and 1st grade in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia with the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO). Her first year at ARAMCO, she received the Outstanding Teacher Award. During her employment there, she was also the Reading Specialist for K-5, and taught Kindergarten and 2nd grade. In addition to her teaching experiences, she worked as a Training Coordinator, developing professional courses for the Purchasing Department, and a Computer Instructor.

When Jill and her husband, Dan, returned to the states and settled in Park City, they started an export company and currently own and operate several companies worldwide. After spending time in the business world, Jill went back into teaching at Park City Academy, where she taught 3rd grade for ten years and received the Excellence Educator Award.

Outside of work, Jill is a private pilot who also loves skiing, scuba diving, and traveling. She was also a dancer in a theatrical company. Her goal is to visit 100 countries and bring geography alive for her students. email >

Courtney Coghlan, 4th Grade
University of Vermont, BA

Courtney Coghlan attended the Madeira School in Greenway, Virginia and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Vermont. She began her 15 year teaching career in the Lake Tahoe area where she received her California and Nevada teaching credentials at Sierra Nevada College. It was also in Lake Tahoe where she pursued her love of snowboarding while she worked her way through her teaching credential program as a ski patrol dispatcher and assistant to the mountain manager at Squaw Valley ski area.

Courtney completed her student teaching assignment in the Tahoe Truckee school district. From there, she got her first full time teaching assignment in Redwood City School District in the San Francisco Bay Area where she worked for seven years. Next, Courtney moved into independent schools at the prestigious Cathedral School for Boys in San Francisco. She loved the freedom and creativity in teaching she was allowed to have in an independent school as well as the opportunity to work with a smaller size class. In Orange County, CA, she taught at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for four years in several different grade levels.

Courtney has received professional development training in many areas including curriculum mapping, differentiated instruction, and working with students with learning differences. She loves the teaching profession and is thrilled to take on this new role in her career as a fourth grade teacher at Park City Day School.  Courtney is married to Jack Coghlan and loves being a full time mom to sons Shane (4) and Tanner (2). email >

Janice Brewster, 5th Grade/Assistant Head for Grades 3-9
University of Utah, BS

Quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” —Henry David Thoreau

After graduating from the University of Utah, Janice Brewster began her teaching career in Jackson Hole, WY, working at a residential school for students with severely and profoundly handicapping conditions. After returning to Utah, she taught in a variety of settings, including the Jordan School District and parochial schools.

Over the past 25 years, Janice has taught reading, honors English and language arts, and has coached volleyball, basketball and cheerleading. She is passionate about children and loves to help each child discover his or her unique talents and gifts.

An avid gardener and novice decorator, Janice likes to spend time with her sisters, daughter and son-in-law. When she’s not working, she can be found walking, watching movies, and learning to play the guitar. email >